A young person from Darlington has been appointed as a youth ambassador for the Duke of Edinburgh award.
Esa Rehman, 20, is one of 35 Duke of Edinburgh award holders from across the UK chosen to act as youth ambassadors.
The ambassadors will advocate for young people, highlighting key issues affecting them by speaking at events, meeting decision-makers in Parliament, and contributing to the Duke of Edinburgh charity's work.
Mr Rehman, who was not initially a sporty person, began his physical section of the award by taking up Taekwondo, which he attended weekly for his bronze award.
He found motivation in achieving each belt and attended multiple classes a week for his silver award, eventually volunteering as a coach for younger children.
Mr Rehman said: "I knew I had to keep motivated and committed to whatever sport I chose for my DofE.
"I’ve previously been a bit quick to quit things when they get too hard, but knowing I was doing it for my DofE helped to keep me motivated.
"It was really fulfilling when I started helping the young children learn – especially as I had started not that long before."
His expeditions gave him a new appreciation for nature, and he used his gold volunteering section to work on sustainability, supporting local climate change and biodiversity groups in Darlington and Manchester, where he attends university.
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Mr Rehman said: "My DofE has helped me to see the value of volunteering.
"Since achieving my award, I’ve gone on to volunteer in youth centres and food banks – I always want to make a positive impact on people.
"At college and now at the University of Manchester, I help run allotments, growing food to be donated to food banks.
"And I’m studying for a degree in environmental sciences - a passion that was sparked by my DofE."
Ashley Williams, UK youth engagement manager at the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, said: "Esa is one of many young people who has achieved incredible things through their DofE.
"I am excited to see the positive impact our new cohort of youth ambassadors make this year."
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